Charles Savage is the CEO and founder of Easy Equities, a platform that has revolutionized investing in South Africa by making it accessible and affordable for everyone. With a background in accounting and information systems from the University of Cape Town, Charles has been a trailblazer in the financial markets for over two decades.
Charles began his career in the late 1990s, focusing on derivative financial markets. He was part of the team that pioneered Contract for Difference (CFD) and spread trading in South Africa. In 2000, he led the development of the world’s first fully automated online spread trading platform. By 2003, he was managing the South African operations of Global Trader, further honing his expertise in technology-driven financial solutions.
In 2014, Charles founded Easy Equities with the vision to democratize investing. The platform introduced fractional shares, allowing users to buy portions of high-value stocks, thus lowering the barrier to entry for many South Africans. This innovation has been pivotal in attracting a diverse and younger demographic to the investment market.
Under Charles’ leadership, Easy Equities has grown rapidly, boasting over 1.4 million registered users. The platform’s user base is notably young, with an average age of 31, and includes a significant number of female investors (42%). This contrasts sharply with traditional investment platforms that predominantly serve an older demographic.
Charles continues to drive innovation at Easy Equities, expanding the platform’s offerings to include EasyCrypto and EasyProperties. His commitment to financial inclusion and empowerment remains at the heart of Easy Equities’ mission, ensuring that more South Africans have the opportunity to build wealth through accessible investment options.